Today the Senate is voting on another massive spending bill which contains more than 2,900 pages and $410 billion in spending. More than $7.7 billion is in pork-filled earmarks such as $1.8 million for pig odor and manure management, $200,000 for a "tattoo-removal violence-outreach program" in Los Angeles and $473,000 for the National Council of La Raza.
The Omnibus Spending bill doesn’t require competitive bids, which will result in more favors for lobbyists and friends of members of Congress. President Obama says that it’s too late to make changes to the bill.
Call your Senators and Congressmen.
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I have mixed feelings about pork. The examples listed here are actually, in my mind, worth the price tags. I know you've driven down I-65 towards Indy. It stinks! No, it _really_ stinks. $200K to remove the signs of gang involvement to allow individuals a chance at a life of less discrimination? As for the "no bid" process, the monies for infrastructure (usually the largest amounts) go to public agencies, which then have regulations stipulating how the monies are allocated and spent.
ReplyDeleteDavid, thank you for your comment. I always appreciate your input.
ReplyDeleteI have concerns about pork, especially now, when the Administration is telling us that we are in an economic crisis, but Congress continues its spending spree. Earmarks have been a long-term problem and won't be cut back easily. It's always harder to take away than to give. In these two examples, tatoo removal and manure management, I would prefer to see it handled by the states. Cut the Federal spending - and budget - lower federal taxes, leaving more tax options for states to take care of their own gangs and hog farms, AND the money will go further because it's not chanelled through the federal bureaucracy.
The federal government and budget are abomination. It's time for congress to let go of some of their power and cut back.